Women and Stock Market Participation: Empirical Evidence from the Saudi Stock Market

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the rareness of female Saudi traders in the Saudi stock market. This research employed the use of a cross-sectional study design with the data collection methods being mixed. The study makes use of a structured survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings from the study clearly indicated that most of the respondents viewed education as an anchoring factor in breaking down social barriers as well as cultural barriers among the Saudi community. From the practical implications point of view, promoting women’s participation in the stock market will help equality in job opportunities and contribute to wealth creation. Women constitute nearly half of the total population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The participation of these women in the Kingdom’s economy is significant in terms of the enhancement and contribution to improving the socio-economic prospects of the state.